The X3 ( X-Cube ) is an experimental compound helicopter demonstrator developed from the EC.155 which in turn is the latest version of the Dauphin. The goal was to prove the concept of a high-speed helicopter and the X3 did so on May 2011 when flew at a speed of 430 km/h (267 mph) for several minutes.
On June 7, 2013 established a new record reaching 255 knots (472 km/hr) in level flight.
The only aircraft built is on display at the French National Air and Space Museum at Le Bourget, Paris.
20-Jun-17 - Airbus unveiled configuration of Racer (Rapid And Cost-Effective Rotorcraft) high speed demonstrator in develop as part of the Clean Sky 2 European research programme #PAS17
01-Jun-16 - A mockup of the breakthrough airframe design of a high-speed, compound helicopter demonstrator has just undergone wind tunnel testing in an Airbus facility
19-Jun-14 - LE BOURGET, France - After opening the frontiers of flight during a record-setting test program, Airbus Helicopters’ X3 is now ready for its place in history as this high-speed helicopter demonstrator is welcomed for display at the French national musée de l’Air et de l’Espace (Air and Space museum) of Paris-Le Bourget.
11-Jun-13 - Eurocopter X3 hybrid helicopter demonstrator makes aviation history in achieving a speed milestone of 255 knots / 472 km/h during level flight
26-Jul-12 - Washington, D.C. - Eurocopter completed its U.S. tour of the X³ high-speed hybrid helicopter today at the Pentagon, where the aircraft landed and was on static display.